3. Computer controlled cutting¶
This week’s task:
a) Learn how to use the laser cutting machine
b) Learn how to use the vinyl cutter
c) Cut something using both machines
Laser Cutting¶
We were first introduced to how the machine works, its possibilities and safety precautions. As a group, we learned how to export our design to RDworks which sends our design to the machine, how to set up the material and the various options when it comes cutting like the focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types. So we did some tests. You can see more in details using this link –> Group Documentation
Parametric Press-Fit Construction¶
For the individual work, we were asked to create a parametric design that can be assembled in multiple different ways. I decided to make a piece that can be connected in more than one way.
Using a guide i found online, I sketched the design using AutoCAD
Outline the sketch and set its dimensions
I initially made the gap for the connections as 3.15mm but after doing the kerf test as a group, we realized that the best one for a 2mm cardboard would be 1.6mm. So for this one, using a 3mm cardboard, a 2.6mm gap is perfect.
And this is the final dimensions for the design after adjusting them based on the material we will be using and also scaling it down when i realized that my design would probably be too big for my liking
Before cutting out as many copies as we want for the project, I first tested the fitting by cutting out 2 copies to ensure that they connect perfectly, not too tight and not too loose.
Once i was satisfied with the fitting, I went ahead and cut more pieces using the machine
AND HERE’S THE FINAL RESULT
What I like about this parametric design is that you can assemble and connect them in multiple ways in different axes!
Mannequin Head¶
Another thing I wanted to make was something that is more fuctional that can be used as a hat stand.
so i decided to sketch out the silhouette of a mannequin head and roughly model it to check the circumference of the head using OnShape
Once I got the rough dimensions, I moved over to AutoCAD to sketch it out properly.
I added the joints
Mirror it for the other piece
Erase unnecessary lines
By connecting two together in the form of an X from the top, it will mimic a mannequin’s head.
Here’s how I used it:
Vinyl Cutter¶
We were introduced to two vinyl cutters. One is the Cricut and the other one is the Silhouette. They both work the same but differ in terms of their functionality and what you’re going to use them for.
We were able to learn more about the Cricut Cutter and produce a sticker of out own!
The machine is pretty simple. There’s a button to start and control the settings, the feed compartment and the blade.
In order to print something on the machine, we first have to install the Cricut App
After downloading the Cricut Design Space, start by creating an account to continue
Then it will ask you to choose the exact machine you will be using
It will then take you to the homepage. Then click on new project
You will be presented with the page you will be working on
Then upload your design that has to be in SVG, JPG, PNG, GIF, DXF, HEIC & BMP format. I decided to make sticker of my business logo
Here you get to remove the background from your image either automatically (premium version) or manually (free) by selecting and erasing the parts of the image.
Then i picked single layer since it was the best one for my case
It’ll appear in the grid workspace in which you can resize by dragging the corners or type out the width of the sticker. The grid on the screen corresponds to the grid mat that comes with the machine. So it’s easy to estimate or put on the exact size you want
Click on make and a prompt will pop out to name and save your design
Then choose which mat you will be using to print on. I chose On Mat
Insert the mat into the printer and click on the button shown in the picture to make sure that it’s secured then pull the mat to ensure that it’s fixed
It’ll take a few minutes depending on how intricate your design is. And here’s how mine looks after the cutting was done
You have the option of either having a negative space sticker or remove the excess and use the letters which in my design were individual, so i ended up with several small stickers
So what I did to make sure they all stick the way they were printed is by laying a clear sticker over it in order to transfer it and stick it wherever I want
I decided to stick it on my water flask that I use everyday and the result was great! I’m glad with how it turned out. It almost looks engraved because of the sticker color choice